Marriott International has introduced a new collection of outdoor-focused accommodations and a dedicated booking platform named Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors. This initiative responds to a significant demand from its loyalty program members, with over 80% expressing interest in trips that include outdoor activities. The new platform aims to simplify the process for travelers seeking nature-based experiences while still providing the benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy program.
Key Takeaways
- Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors is a new platform for booking nature-focused travel.
- It features over 450 hotels, 50,000 homes, and curated activities worldwide.
- Travelers can search by outdoor interests rather than just destination.
- Two new brands, Postcard Cabins and Trailborn Hotels, are inaugural members.
- A 'Drop Pin Challenge' with Dylan Efron offers 10 million Marriott Bonvoy points.
Addressing Traveler Demand for Outdoor Experiences
Marriott's decision to launch this new venture directly addresses feedback from its Marriott Bonvoy members. A recent poll showed that a large majority of members desire travel experiences that incorporate outdoor activities. This trend highlights a shift in consumer preferences towards nature-centric vacations.
Peggy Roe, Marriott's Chief Customer Officer and Executive Vice President, emphasized this point.
"Travelers are telling us they want the freedom of nature paired with the trust, comfort, and rewards of Marriott Bonvoy, and that's a gap we are uniquely positioned to fill right now,"Roe stated to TPG.
Did You Know?
More than 80% of Marriott Bonvoy members recently surveyed expressed a desire for trips involving outdoor activities.
The new platform allows travelers to discover and book stays based on their preferred outdoor activities. This approach could open up new destinations for guests who prioritize specific interests like hiking or fishing over a particular city or region.
Platform Features and Initial Offerings
At its launch, Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors includes a substantial portfolio. It offers more than 450 outdoor-focused hotels globally, along with 50,000 homes and villas. The platform also provides access to curated tours and activities designed for outdoor enthusiasts.
The activities featured on the platform align with popular outdoor interests. These include:
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Hiking and glamping
- Biking
- Surfing
- Fishing
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Scuba diving and snorkeling
This wide range of options aims to cater to different levels of outdoor experience, from casual explorers to dedicated adventurers. The platform is accessible via a dedicated Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors website and the Marriott Bonvoy app.
Background on Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy is Marriott International's loyalty program, offering members points for stays at Marriott properties and other eligible purchases. These points can be redeemed for free nights, travel experiences, and more. The program integrates several brands under one umbrella.
Introducing New Brands: Postcard Cabins and Trailborn Hotels
The Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy is described as a "curated portfolio offering outdoor-focused, design-forward stays in remarkable landscapes." These properties range from cabins near National Parks to boutique hotels on cliff edges. They combine access to nature with essential hotel amenities such as comfortable beds, hot running water, and private restrooms.
Inaugural Brands in the Collection
Two nature-focused hotel chains, Postcard Cabins and Trailborn Hotels, are the first brands to join this collection. They have recently integrated into the Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem.
- Postcard Cabins: This brand offers 29 locations across the U.S. Starting rates are around $150 per night or 27,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
- Trailborn Hotels: Described as "boutique hotels in extraordinary outdoor destinations," Trailborn properties are located in various scenic areas, from North Carolina beaches to the Grand Canyon.
Marriott plans to expand this collection further. Future additions may include other boutique hotels, cabins, yurts, domes, and ecolodges, offering more unique escape options for travelers.
Future Collaborations and Member Engagement
Beyond traditional hotel stays, Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors will expand its offerings through strategic partnerships. In 2026, the collection will collaborate with Outside Interactive to provide special Marriott Bonvoy Moments centered on outdoor experiences.
These exclusive moments are expected to include unique activities such as photo shoots in Hawaii, kayaking in the Maldives, and snorkeling in Belize. Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy members with Outside Interactive Outside+ accounts will be able to link their accounts to receive bonus points and access exclusive content.
The 'Drop Pin Challenge'
To celebrate the launch, Marriott Bonvoy has initiated the "Drop Pin Challenge." Dylan Efron, a personality from "The Traitors" and "Dancing with the Stars," is involved in this promotion. Marriott and Efron have hidden physical map pins, each worth 10,000 points, across 20 outdoor destinations in North America.
Travelers can visit the contest landing page to find clues about these hidden pins. Locations include popular spots like Yellowstone National Park, Moab, Utah, and Maui, Hawaii. A total of 10 million Marriott Bonvoy points are available through this challenge.
"With the new Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy brand, our curated Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and even playful activations like the Drop Pin Challenge with Dylan Efron, we're not just offering places to stay," said Peggy Roe. "We're opening doors to experiences that inspire, connect, and stay with you long after the trip ends. This is just the beginning for Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors, and the collection will continue to expand with new additions to be announced soon. Our ambition is to make the outdoors a long-lasting, inspiring chapter of the Marriott Bonvoy story."
The launch of Marriott Bonvoy Outdoors and the associated collection provides a new avenue for travelers seeking to combine the comforts and rewards of a major hospitality brand with the adventure of nature. This integrated platform aims to be a single resource for finding outdoor-focused vacations, booking accommodations, and organizing activities within the Marriott Bonvoy system.
For those looking to earn points, having a Marriott Bonvoy credit card can provide benefits and perks. These cards can help travelers accumulate points for future outdoor stays and experiences.
